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Latest News

Breast Cancer Breakthrough

Published: 06/17/2013

Our Dr. Lawrence J. Solin discusses on the Jewish Exponent website how molecular testing has led to customized treatments for patients with an early form of breast cancer known as DCIS.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer found in the cells of milk ducts. In some — but not all — patients, DCIS will develop into an invasive cancer of breast tissue. Until now, physicians have not been able to determine which patients are more or less at risk for that form of breast cancer. Predictions have been based on averages resulting from large studies of patients.

New research conducted by Dr. Lawrence J. Solin, chairman of Einstein’s department of radiation oncology, uses genetic analysis of an individual patient’s cancerous duct cells to evaluate her prognosis. Called an Oncotype DX® DCIS Score, it will predict the 10-year risk of recurrence of DCIS or of invasive cancer in the same breast.

“DCIS is a huge issue in the United States affecting approximately 55,000 patients every year,” Solin said. “Because of the uncertainty about patients’ future risk, treatment of DCIS is very controversial. People are concerned about over-treating and under-treating this disease.

“Now, by molecular testing of the duct cells, we are able to determine if a patient is at low, intermediate or high-risk for invasive breast cancer or a DCIS reoccurrence,” Solin explains. “We put that molecular information together with the patient’s other medical information and create a treatment plan tailored to her exact circumstances. We are giving women more information and more options to manage their health.”